F1 News
Australian Grand Prix to be run behind closed doors? "Not a chance!"
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott says there is "no chance" this Sunday's race will be held behind closed doors like in Bahrain in two weeks' time, saying there isn't any health risk for the event.
With the Italian teams being cleared by their government to travel to Australia, the event is set to go ahead without any complications, including from the spectators' points of view.
The Bahrain Grand Prix organisers announced yesterday they'll host the race but behind closed doors, making it the first F1 race ever without spectators.
While the option was also entertained for the Australian Grand Prix, the AGPC now say there is no way it will be held without allowing spectators to come along.
“Not a chance,” said Westacott when quizzed by SEN about the possibility of the race taking place closed to the public.
“There is no evidence of community transmission in Victoria at the moment, so I’m not feeling at all concerned going to mass gatherings or walking down the streets in Victoria. So I don’t think there’s a risk to the Grand Prix.
“I think if you had widespread or significant community transmission in one or more cities in the country where there was a risk to people going to public events, that’s when you should start looking at that.
“We’re certainly not at a tipping point like that at the moment.”